Radford Safety Rest Area

This rest area needs to be expanded or now allow semi drivers to stop. I have nothing against truck drivers, it’s just that this rest area is way too small for that much traffic. If you pull in and pass the first few parking spots to try and get closer to the door you might have to wait in the narrow drive thru for someone to leave or risk backing up to park in an open spot closer to the rest area on ramp; both of which piss people off. My point is this rest area is on a very busy part of I-​81 and the current size doesn’t fit what and whom it’s trying to serve, very safely.
You may read this review and think 1 star is very harsh because the bathrooms, even though very small are clean and there is a nice dog walk. However I don’t feel safe pulling into and parking here. I recommend to V-​Dot to advertise this rest area as a car only/​pet friendly rest area then convert the current truck lane into extra parking so it’s safe to look for a spot. I recommend all Unilocal readers who stop here to park at the very first spot you find.
Happy travels!

A more expanded rest area off I-​81 southbound with more parking for cars and trucks. Bathrooms were reasonably clean and the vending machines were nicely stocked. Pet walking area and picnic tables available too.
I’ve seen better rest stops in Virginia and North Carolina that are further from the highway and with more shady spots to catch a couple of Z’s. But I’ve also seen worse.